I believe music has the power to change lives. Whether a student is preparing for an audition, performing in an orchestra, learning their very first note, or simply discovering a lifelong love of music, my goal is to help every musician build confidence, skill, creativity, and joy.
I am a Montana-based music educator, clinician, conductor, and performer with more than 15 years of experience teaching K–12 music. Throughout my career, I have taught band, orchestra, choir, modern band, and general music in both A and AA public schools. I also spent a year teaching music at a residential school for emotionally disturbed children, an experience that strengthened my belief that every student can succeed when provided with the right environment, encouragement, and instruction.
I earned my Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Idaho and have continued my professional growth through graduate coursework while working toward a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership.
My private teaching specialties include:
Violin & Viola: Beginning through advanced
Cello & Double Bass: Beginning through early intermediate
High Brass: Beginning through low intermediate
Low Brass: Beginning through high intermediate
Percussion: Beginning
Piano: Beginning through low intermediate
Male Voice: Beginning through intermediate
Throughout my career, I have served in numerous leadership roles, including Department Head, Helena Education Association Building Representative, HEA Board Member, and a member of the Helena Public Schools Financial Advisory Committee. I have chaired both District and State Music Festivals, working alongside educators across Montana to create meaningful musical experiences for thousands of students.
I currently serve as President of the Montana String Teachers Association and am a co-founder and former Secretary of the Northwest Modern Band Teachers Association. I have served on the National Connected Arts Network leadership team for NAfME and have been a nationally certified Music Will presenter since 2018. I've presented professional development sessions throughout the United States, including the National Modern Band Summit, Montana Music Educators Association Conference, South Dakota Music Educators Association Conference, and workshops in Indianapolis and Detroit.
I regularly serve as a conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and festival organizer. In 2026, I had the privilege of serving as Orchestra Director for the Star of Montana European Concert Tour, leading student musicians in performances across Europe. I continue to perform professionally as both a violinist and violist, believing that remaining an active musician makes me a better teacher.
My work in music education has been recognized with five Helena Education Foundation Distinguished Educator Awards, and I have been honored with a Grammy Music Educator Award nomination.
When I'm not teaching, you'll usually find me performing with regional orchestras, presenting professional development for fellow educators, working on new curriculum ideas, spending time outdoors in Montana, or making memories with my wife and three children. Those experiences continually remind me why music matters—not just as a subject to learn, but as a lifelong source of connection, creativity, and joy.
My teaching philosophy is simple: every student deserves instruction that is challenging, encouraging, and personalized to their goals. Whether you're learning your first notes, preparing for auditions, earning a chair in an honor ensemble, or simply making music for the joy of it, my goal is to help you become a confident, capable, and lifelong musician.